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Bug Bites And Stings
Most insect bites and stings result in little more than redness, itching or swelling. In a few cases, though, bites and stings from bees, wasps, fire ants, scorpions and other creatures can cause severe, sometimes fatal, reactions. Some insects such as ticks and mosquitoes can also carry disease.
SEEK HELP FOR THESE SYMPTOMS:
* Difficulty breathing, or swelling in the throat
* Facial swelling or hives anywhere on the body
* Confusion, dizziness or light-headedness
* Increased heartbeat
* Cramps, nausea or vomiting
* Any scorpion sting to a child
TREATMENT:
If the reaction to a sting is mild, remove the stinger, then wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold cloth or ice, or hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or a baking soda paste. An antihistamine such as Benadryl may reduce itching.
If the reaction is more severe, call emergency services. If the victim has a known condition, an epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen, may be required. Do not provide anything to drink, as it may cause choking. If the person starts vomiting, position him or her on their side to avoid choking. In the rare event the sufferer no longer has a pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
In the case of a tick bite, remove the bug with tweezers, making sure to get the mouth parts out, and clean the area with alcohol. If a fever develops days or even weeks later, see a physician.
* Bee and wasp stings are no fun -- but for people allergic to their venom, they can be deadly.